TAF in the Media

Doug Ford’s new housing law leaves Toronto’s ‘green standard’ untouched — but will cost the city’s taxpayers plenty, says staff

6/2025 - TORONTO STAR - VP of Policy and Programs, Bryan Purcell, welcomes the City of Toronto's opinion that Bill 17 does not impact green standards, and warns about confusion and contradictory interpretations moving forward.

Ford government bulldozes green building standards with new legislation

6/2025 - CANADA'S NATIONAL OBSERVER - Bill 17 severely undermine cities’ ability to regulate development, leading to higher emissions and less climate-resilient buildings, explains Bryan Purcell, VP of Policy and Programs.

Toronto’s green roofs under threat as Ford government pushes Bill 17

6/2025 - VILLAGE REPORT - Policy expert, Bryan Purcell, explains Bill 17 “deeply undercuts” the green standard and may also make the Green Roof Bylaw more difficult for the city to uphold.

Ford government moves to override cities on green building standards

6/2025 - CANADA'S NATIONAL OBSERVER - “Municipalities have a legislated responsibility to protect public health and environmental wellbeing,” said Bryan Purcell, VP of Policy and Programs. “Restricting their ability to exercise those duties will not protect Ontario or build housing faster. ”

Ontario Legislation Could Override Local Green Standards, Stall Climate Progress

5/2025 - THE ENERGY MIX - Could Bill 17 set back green building in the province, and undermine city-led climate policies? Bryan Purcell, VP of Policy and Programs, comments.

Ontario needs a green workforce to power shift from natural gas

5/2025 - THE POINTER - Aakash Harpalani, Director of Clean Energy, points to energy efficiency, demand flexibility, rooftop solar and battery, plus more, to help Ontario reduce its reliance on natural gas.

Hour 3: Are municipal climate plans under threat by Ontario’s new housing bill

5/2025 - MOORE IN THE MORNING - Bryan Purcell, VP of Policy and Programs, discusses the benefits of municipal green standards and how to streamline housing development in the province.

Ford government move could see environmental home requirements sacrificed in the name of building faster, cheaper

5/2025 - TORONTO STAR - Bryan Purcell, VP of Policy and Programs, comments on Bill 17, the Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act, and its potential long-term impacts on affordability, noting that Toronto has exceeded housing targets alongside green standards.

VIEWPOINT: Extreme heat bylaws: Perspectives from a building retrofit manager

4/2025 - SABMAG - Sustainable Architecture and Building Magazine featured our recommendations on extreme heat bylaws in its Spring issue.

TAF Highlights Energy Cost Savings, Job Creation in ‘Made-in-Canada’ Policy Pitch

3/2025 - THE ENERGY MIX - Writers at The Energy Mix summarize our federal policy recommendations, published earlier in March.

CityHousing Hamilton aims for 60 per cent cut in energy use at 123 townhouse units

3/2025 - THE SPEC - “Improving energy efficiency in buildings is a key target for reducing carbon emissions,” said CEO Julia Langer at an event to announce Canada's investment in deep energy retrofits for affordable housing in Hamilton.

Toronto Adds $2B to Climate Programs Through First-Ever Carbon Budget Process

2/2025 - THE ENERGY MIX - Bryan Purcell, VP of Policy and Programs, comments on the City of Toronto's first ever carbon budget process.